Ricotta adds a gentle richness to both sweet and savory dishes, and these recipes highlight its magic. From creamy pastas and baked lasagna to cheesecakes and pancakes, each one feels indulgent yet light. Its subtle flavor and airy texture elevate every bite. These dishes are simple to make but elegant enough to impress. Soft, smooth, and versatile—ricotta makes everything better.

Italian Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta Cookies decorated with Christmas sprinkles.
Italian Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Italian Ricotta Cookies are soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a light, cake-like texture and a hint of sweetness, these traditional cookies are a holiday staple. Simple yet irresistible, they’re perfect for any celebration—or just because.
Get the Recipe: Italian Ricotta Cookies

Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Close-up of hands pulling apart a crispy, golden-brown, fried cheese ball, revealing melted cheese inside. More cheese balls are visible in a bowl in the background.
Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

These Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters are the ultimate party bite—crispy on the outside, creamy and smoky on the inside. They’re rich, cheesy, and downright addictive, like a perfect blend between arancini and gougères. Serve them at your next gathering and watch them disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda and Ricotta Fritters

Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

A slice of frittata on a plate.
Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata brings color and flavor to your breakfast or brunch table. With spinach, garlic, and creamy ricotta, it’s hearty yet low in carbs. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this dish delivers satisfying comfort in every slice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Ricotta Frittata

Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Baked ricotta cheese in a blue casserole dish with sliced bread.
Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Creamy, bright, and full of flavor, this Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon is an effortless appetizer. Infused with herbs and zesty lemon, it pairs beautifully with bread, crackers, or fruit. Quick to make and elegantly simple—it’s sure to impress any guest.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ricotta Cheese with Lemon

Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Lemon muffins on a wood cutting board.
Lemon Ricotta Muffins. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Lemon Ricotta Muffins bring a taste of Tuscany to your kitchen. With creamy ricotta, olive oil, and a hint of lemon zest, these muffins are soft, rich, and perfectly balanced. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Muffins

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort food doesn’t get better than this Pasta with Ricotta and Tomatoes. The creamy ricotta and juicy tomatoes create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Serve it as a cozy main dish or a hearty side for an easy, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Whipped Ricotta Toast

Image shows a white plate with whipped ricotta toast drizzled with olive oil on it.
Whipped Ricotta Toast. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Whipped Ricotta Toast makes breakfast feel special with minimal effort. Creamy, airy ricotta spread over crisp toast becomes the perfect base for sweet or savory toppings. It’s versatile, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta Toast

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Lemon ricotta cookies on rack with icing bowl.
Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies are soft, moist, and bursting with citrusy freshness. The lemon zest adds a bright tang that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta. Perfect for tea time, dessert, or gifting, these cookies are a simple delight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche served on a pie dish.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This Asparagus and Ricotta Quiche is a fresh, flavorful twist on a brunch favorite. Creamy ricotta and tender asparagus bake together in a flaky crust for a dish that’s light yet satisfying. It’s ideal for spring gatherings or an easy make-ahead meal.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Slices of toasted bread topped with creamy ricotta, melted cheese, peach slices, prosciutto, sage leaves, and a drizzle of honey make this an irresistible addition to your collection of easy ricotta recipes.
Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto combine creamy, sweet, and salty in one perfect bite. Honey and crispy sage take it to the next level, making it a standout for summer entertaining. Elegant, easy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

A black plate with large pasta shells stuffed with spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, served on tomato sauce, with a gold fork and garnishes nearby on a wooden table. Perfect for fans of classic ricotta recipes.
Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta is comfort food at its finest. Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a creamy ricotta-spinach mixture and baked in rich marinara sauce. It’s cheesy, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

A dish of creamy whipped ricotta drizzled with olive oil, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest
Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Whipped Ricotta is the little black dress of cheese—simple, elegant, and endlessly versatile. Smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet or savory, it pairs beautifully with fruit, honey, or herbs. Dress it up for parties or enjoy it plain for an everyday indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Whipped Ricotta, The Little Black Dress of Cheese

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up.
Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna layers creamy cheese, tender noodles, and flavorful marinara for a classic vegetarian comfort dish. Every bite is rich, hearty, and satisfying. Perfect for Sunday dinners or meal prep that tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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